[center][h1][i]Wayward Daughters[/i][/h1][/center]

[hr]

Stepping off of their boat, the Heralds of Honor immediately felt the change in temperature, and had shivered once involuntarily. “It’s colder than I thought!” Curiosity exclaimed, while Courage, Kindness, and Fear all merely chuckled.

Each and every breath they took formed into mist and swirled in front of their faces, and they looked at the frost which coated the looming trees that stood vigilant before them. Snow blanketed the forest floor, and the realm of Chailiss seemed like it slumbered. Aside from the song of the sea, the world was much more quieter in this place.

All five of the champions silently intoned the Incantation of Sending, and the shifting symbols of the Gnosis manifested upon their skin, so that they left no traces of their passage as they walked farther inland.

Fear and Curiosity carried Skydancer; their task consisted mainly of tugging the almost weightless vessel around, and avoiding any obstacles. Courage, Kindness, and Wanderer took the lead, noticing that the coast was not abandoned.

The familiar sight of humans came into view, but these were much larger and all male. When one had spotted them, he had rushed back to the others, stirring up a great ruckus as more and more men came out from the trees onto the beach to get a look at them. Many eyes had quickly fallen on them but the members of the Holy Quintet organized themselves to properly greet their northern kin.

It wasn’t long before three men came forth from the group. They walked side by side, wearing an assortment of feathers in their long kept hair and necklaces of shells around their necks. The middle one was the tallest, bare chested and carried an old twisted knob of a stick. The one to his left was shorter, also bare chested, with lighter brown hair and equally tan skin. The last man wore tannish furs of some sort, with braided black hair. He was missing his left ear. Their faces were a mix of reverence and awe and when they neared the Holy Quintet, all fell to their knees, heads dipped to the sandy beach. 

“Spirit Mother…” The middle man spoke with a deep, projecting voice. “We were foolish. We were stupid. We knew not what we were capable of. For this we sinned and in doing so, we stained our hearts. We cannot ask for forgiveness, for that would be too easy. But we are all of us, sorry. So sorry.” His voice broke and the man began to sob.

Courage was the first to react, dashing towards the three kneeling men, and moving with empowered grace. Her uncovered hand gently rested upon the man’s shoulder, who peered up at her with strikingly blue orbs brimmed with tears. She peered at him with shimmering sincerity shining in her eyes. Her other hand clenched into a fist, the gold metal emitting a couple clinks. “Brother, you can always ask for forgiveness. You’ve become lost, but that just means you have to find your way again, ya.” She spoke softly, and stood by him. The other two looked up as well, silent tears falling down into the sand, lost forever.

Kindness and Wanderer approached, and bowed before the trio of giants, as Fear and Curiosity caught up, and bowed as well.

“We’ve come to offer aid.” Kindness said, as she and her sisters straightened themselves. Curiosity and Wanderer glanced at each other, uncertainty filling them upon the sight of so many people, though there was less than they had expected.

The man in the middle stared up at Courage before giving her a small nod. “How does one ask for forgiveness in the face of such a crime? How could we be worthy of any aid? Tell me, for you have called me brother, are you not the Spirit Mother?” He looked at all of them one by one.

Courage looked back towards her sisters, and saw the effect the words had upon them; a paradoxical mixture of sorrow and joy. Bittersweet feelings, she realized, but she could not understand why she or her sisters felt them. She turned back to the man, and smiled. “You can’t seek forgiveness on your own. Our Mother will come… We’re her messengers that’ve come to spread the word of honor by helping our kin. Listen, you can’t give up either, because like you said, that’d be too easy. You’ve got to always keep trying, and know that you’re not alone.”

Slowly the men nodded to each other as they thought upon her words, then the middle man wiped his tears away. “We and our tribe, would do whatever it takes no matter the journey, for forgiveness. My name is Bodaway. This is Chesmo,” He gestured to the man with light brown hair, “And that is Eapalek.” The man missing an ear gave a small nod at the recognition. “What would the Daughter Spirits ask of us?”

“We wish to know more about this land, to see it through your eyes. Would you share your stories with us? Please.” Courage answered, and gestured with her head towards her sisters. “I’m Courage, and those are our sisters; Kindness, Fear, Curiosity and Wanderer. It’s nice to meet you.” Upon being named, each champion raised her hand, and introduced herself. There were a few noticeable differences between the quintuplets - primarily the minor accessories and tools they wore, but there was also a more subtle difference in the way they held and expressed themselves.

Bodaway rose to his full height, towering over the smaller champions. Chesmo and Eapalek followed and began to walk back. “Come.” Bodaway said, gesturing for them to follow. “We shall feast and learn of each other! It is not every day the spirits come to greet us.”

Courage shook her head with mirth before she and her sisters joined the trio of giants as they returned to their tribe. “Thank you, brother.” She said when she was beside Bodaway, calling up to him as she took two strides for every one step he took in order to match his pace. The ground rumbled ever so slightly and her own footprints could fit three times within his own. Yet besides them being so different to them, they seemed to just fit. For the very trees loomed before them now, the true giants of the north in all their splendid glory. It would have taken two tall giants, standing atop each other's shoulders to reach the lowest branches and they went up, up, and up. 

As they neared the rest of the tribe, a great hollering came from them as Chesmo and Eapalek no doubt told what was about to happen. A great thundering of feet, the sound like a landslide, erupted forth as the giant men began to prepare with what they had. Many more came to greet the Quintet, and give reverence to such holy spirits as they were led into the trees towards the camp proper. A wide path had been formed by many feet over and over again through the underbrush, lined with many men hard at work. Some were beating animal hides, others were threading furs and fibers, weaving their craft into works. All stopped and waved as they passed. 

“What happened here?” Curiosity asked from the rear, as her sisters waved back and offered friendly smiles. She let go of Skydancer, and raced ahead of their entourage to hear an answer to her question, leaving Fear to carry the airborne boat by herself.

To the giants, Skydancer was an even stranger sight than the champions. Many offered to help carry it and then most did without waiting for an answer. They lifted it high into the sky, enough so that Fear no longer had feet on the ground.

“Eh!” Fear looked around in surprise, before pulling herself up and over the railing of the vessel so that she was carried as well. The anxious champion gave those that were lifting the boat a gracious nod, and quietly muttered thanks.

Bodaway chuckled. “Such a strange craft of yours. What is its purpose?”

“It’s a gift from Chailiss, and it allowed us to fly here all the way from Keltra. It’s nice and comfortable, and goes really fast! It took a while, but we eventually settled on Wanderer’s name for it, so now it’s Skydancer. We’re hoping to get a chance to give proper thanks to Chailiss when we find him.” Courage explained, wearing a cheeky grin.

There was a mystified response from those that heard her, while the few that carried Skydancer stood a bit taller. “What a mighty gift from the Spirit Father! Truly we are blessed this day.” Bodaway exclaimed. A great fire now loomed in the distance, sparking to the heavens in a cleared area with large hides and logs that made shelters around it. More and more men were gathering within, bringing their crafts and food stuffs. As they entered the area proper, Bodaway gestured to a spot where a great log sat. Large enough for each of them to sit on. Skydancer was placed next to the log but before any of them could even try to sit on it, men quickly placed down hides and furs to make it more comfortable. 

“Please sit.” Bodaway said to them, “Sit and we can talk of many things around the warm fire.”

As they took their seats and relaxed, Curiosity raised her hand as she spoke. “Did you use the Incantation of Making to create all of these things? Everything sort of smells strange.” She asked, poking the cushioning underneath her. Her question caused her sisters to look around as well with bemused expressions.

Bodaway raised an eyebrow. “In-can-tation?” He spaced the word out before shaking his head. “The land of our father provided all we needed. Here,” he nodded to a fellow man with yellow feathers in his hair. He brought over a large pot, the size of their head and placed it before them on the furs. “Our water is fresh, drink it if you are thirsty.” He gestured to another man and he brought two bowls to them. One with a strange, hot chunk of something that smelled savory. The other bowl contained blueberries as fat as their palms. “Eat of our food if you are hungry.” And finally he gestured to another man, who carried a bundle of furs. He placed it behind them and bowed before backing away. “Our clothes are large, but wear them if you are cold.”

Curiosity excitedly looked over all that had been offered to them, reaching out to touch the fruit within the second bowl, but before she could, Wanderer grabbed her arm. The silent champion simply shook her head, and Curiosity retreated her hand with a dejected look.

“Your father is generous giving you all of these gifts.” Kindness remarked, hesitantly examining the tantalizing content of the first bowl. “We appreciate your generosity, but we have no need to drink and eat.” She continued until Courage interjected.

“Come on, Kindness. Let’s at least try some.” Her words further tempted the rest of her sisters, except for Wanderer who kept away from the offerings. Fear looked at Courage and Kindness, eyes darting back and forth between the two with uncertainty.

“Shouldn’t we wait until we find Chailiss, or something? Without our Make… without Mother, we can’t cleanse ourselves if we consume something we shouldn’t.” The anxious champion said, and shook her head with frustration upon watching Curiosity swiftly plop a blueberry into her mouth.

“See, Curiosity knows what to do.” Courage exclaimed, and grinned at Kindness. The brash champion then looked at the bowl containing the chunk of something, and wondered how to eat it. Kindness, Fear, and Wanderer observed Curiosity as she smiled brightly, and began grabbing more berries.

“Our Maker will likely be angered by this, but that does bring me a modicum of joy.” Kindness muttered, as she relented, and proceeded to grasp a piece of the food-chunk, and rip it free before she slowly ate it. “Mmm… this is really good.”

Courage joined her by following her lead, and only Fear and Wanderer were among those that remained hesitant to touch anything. Fear looked at her frozen hand, before she shook her head and relented.

“Fear… no.” The hand made of ice halted, hovering over the second bowl, its owner stopped by the emotionless voice of Wanderer. With a sigh, Fear pulled her hand back, and stayed still while three of her sisters enjoyed their gifts.

“So… what happened after we left?” Fear asked Bodaway, seeking something to distract her from the strange noises her sisters were making.

He and the other men had remained silent as they watched the Quintet debate about eating. It was not their place to interject.

But now he looked to Fear and the other men could not hold eye contact, so they dipped their heads as if in shame. "I can only think that you mean what happened after our Spirit Mother left with the koloss in tow? It is a tale of great joy and bitter sorrow. But we will tell it now so that you understand our first words upon the beach." The man cleared his throat and looked into fire. "When we first walked this earth, feeling the new sensations of life, we were not alone. The women walked beside us under the teachings of our Spirit Father. We learned many things, even the art of fire from the bijjiork. It was that fire that was our downfall."

Chesmo began to speak, his voice like honey. "Her name was Lansa, the first Flamekeeper, and she loved her flame with great passion. She tended to it, she made it grow strong and kept it alight in the dark. Back then fire was power and those who could keep it, were seen as objects of want. None were better than Lansa and so we men flocked to her, wishing she would share our beds beside us, or to be our wife. Lansa, her heart was good, she declined those who asked. For the fire was hers and that was all she wanted."

Eapalek was the next to speak, his voice was raw and tired. "Our Spirit Father left for a time and not a day passed before Lansa was taken from her fire by force. For some men could not handle rejection, desire and lust. Lansa had her flame extinguished." He dipped his head lower, many of the men had sorrowful faces, others were blank with eyes full of grief. 

Bodaway spoke again, "So our women gathered and spoke to each other as they mourned and it was decided that because of our crime against Lansa, men and women would separate. We were outraged at first but to do anything or say anything… We would be no better than the men who had done the crime itself. They never came forward and even to this day we know not who they are or else we might have…" He shook his head. "Some went this way, some went that way. The exodus of men and women was painful but necessary. We have not seen the band of women we followed for some time now, though we know they are half a day away up the beach. Wapeka the Brave spoke of a prophecy, that when the sky danced we would come together again for future generations. Even now we wait for the sky to dance, a small hope for the price we pay. Now our band lives along the coast and we shall learn of its waters and what they might offer us. That is our story."

Many nodded in agreement and all was quiet for a time until two men walked into the camp holding a large stick with an even larger fish between them. It had red scaled, bulbous eyes and was gutted. It was nearly as tall as the champions when they set it next to the fire to cook. 

"Our fishermen have returned!" Bodaway exclaimed, clasping them on their backs. "Hehan and Tipo, best we have when it comes to slippery fish." Both bowed before the Champions. 

"An honor to meet the Daughter Spirits!" Tipo said. 

"We hope you will try our snapping beast, the meat is sweet and succulent!" Hehan added.

At the sight of the slain creature, the Holy Quintet were taken from their thoughts and consideration of the tale they had been told, and forced to recoil. All aside from Courage had risen to their feet, and stared with widened eyes at the neatly eviscerated corpse placed beside the flames to cook. Fear placed a hand over her mouth, and looked away - anywhere that wasn’t the lifeless beast before her, while Curiosity found herself silently crying large wet tears as she choked out a single question. “Why?”

Courage clenched and unclenched her gauntleted fist, flinching and twitching as she slowly shook her head. “Listen… it’s not as bad as it looks…” She muttered, loud enough for her sisters to hear, before she stood and bowed before the two newest arrivals.

“Thank you, Hehan and Tipo. It is an honor to meet you both.” She said, and offered them a polite nod, before giving a pointed look to the rest of her sisters who hesitantly and slowly followed the lead of the only one among the quintet that was not trembling with distress.

But it was too late, for many of the men had puzzled looks on their faces, and others looked distraught. Hehan and Tipo deflated a little, both looking as they were forcing small smiles. All eyes had gone to them but mostly to Curiosity, who cried. 

“Have we… Have we upset you?” Bodaway asked in a gentle voice. “If we did something wrong…” His voice quieted.

Curiosity pointed at the carcass, before bringing her hand back to her chest. “Did something kill this child? I don’t understand… what could do this?” She asked, and looked to the two men that had carried the corpse into the village.

They looked at each other with growing distress. Tipo opened his mouth to speak, “We…” but his words betrayed him and Bodaway quickly took over. “Daughter Spirit, why do you call the fish a child? It died so that it could give us life. If it is wrong to kill for life then we have failed you yet again.” His tone was a somber one.

Courage was quick to speak up, raising her hands and gesturing to both parties. “We’re here to help everyone, not condemn them. When I was lost at sea, Sala told me to eat a Godfish, otherwise I’d drown. We’re supposed to listen to the Divine, ya.” Her words were directed at her sisters, then she turned to the men of the village. “Where we’re from, there’s no need to eat anything. The light of the Eternal Fire feeds us. It’s just a bit surprising to see such things for us.” She explained, attempting to assuage all those gathered with a calming voice and an affable attitude. However her sisters did not find themselves soothed by her speech, still perturbed by the sight of death.

“Apologies. We do not mean to cause any distress. Hehan. Tipo. Let us cook the fish elsewhere for now.” Bodaway said with a nod. The two gave a sad nod to Bodaway in return, then dipped their heads in shame as they grabbed the fish and left the bonfire. 

“They will be alright.” Bodaway reassured. “This land can be plentiful to us but we have no fire like that which would keep us full all the time. I am not sure if it would give you any comfort, but the life we take… We do not let anything suffer. And when our time comes, we return to the land that gives to us.”

With red cheeks and chagrin, Courage rubbed the back of her head and fumbled with her next words. “I, uh, understand. We don’t speak, um, for… the Divine, and we’re still learning as well… We just want to help everyone, and it’s hard trying to figure out how to do that.”

Kindness placed a hand upon Courage’s shoulder, and shook her head. “This is wrong, Courage. Our Maker had to cleanse you after you consumed that Godfish, and you were sick before that. Our inner fires were not designed to do this.” She said, however, her reckless sister only brushed her hand away and scowled at her in response.

“You know, for someone that thinks she’s such a pain, you sure sound a lot like our Maker. I’m sure she would love to scold them for something when they didn’t even have any chance to make a choice. It seems like we just left them to starve, doesn’t it?” Courage remarked, before she stepped away from both Kindness and the rest of the quintet. The Champions of Homura were all silent, exuding a combination of frustration and sorrow.

The men of the camp also reflected the mood of the Champions. There came little talk, only slight whispers and gazes that only held the fire. A few picked at their food, but it seemed many of their appetites had left them. The only audible noise that could be followed was the crackle of the fire. Even Bodaway did not seem to know what to say.

“I would seek another way… anything but the theft of sacred life. I would not partake in this act even if it meant I would perish otherwise. Would you eat Lorelei if the situation necessitated it? Would you eat Pride if the Divine demanded it? I cannot condone this, and I would stand by our Maker if it meant I can bring an end to this madness.” Kindness proclaimed.

“You’re an idiot, sis. What do you think we were putting inside us? There’s none here that know the Gnosis, so there’s none here that know the Incantation of Making. Come on, even Curiosity must’ve known when she was stuffing her face.” Courage countered, pointing a finger at the aforementioned champion who proceeded to spew blood and fruit from her mouth.

Wanderer and Fear swiftly offered their support to their vomiting sister, holding her up as her legs gave way. “Curiosity, what’s wrong!?! What’s happening!?!” The anxious champion looked to Courage and Kindness who stared at the scene with abject horror.

The men stood up in surprise and shouts. Some cried out about evil spirits, others simply left and many could only watch to see what was going to happen. Bodaway hefted his staff and moved towards Curiosity. “She is rejecting the food. Hold back her hair.” Was all he said.

Fear gently laid Curiosity down, as Wanderer followed the instructions of the giant, and kept any red hair from falling in front of the sick girl’s face. Curiosity continued to retch, despite the lack of anything else escaping her stained lips, and the two sisters looking after her turned to Bodaway for further guidance. “What do we do now?” Fear desperately asked.

Courage stepped farther back, and averted her gaze, her scarlet cheeks flushed with shame instead of humility, and she bit back any more words she might have said. Kindness raised a hand to her own mouth, and her fair skin became sickly pale.

“There is nothing you can do but let it pass on its own.” He looked to Kindness. “She will be next, see to her.” A great sigh then escaped him. “This talk of how we live and what we do to survive, has disagreed with your minds. This is why the rejection takes place I think.”

Fear nodded, and stood up to assist Kindness, but her sister refused, holding her hand up to ward away the anxious champion. “I am fine. I can stand. Do not concern yourself with me, look after Curiosity.”

“But-

“No, our sister needs you now more than I do. I appreciate this, but I am fine.” With a firm tone, Kindness continued to push Fear away, and weakly nodded in gratitude at both Bodaway and her sister.

“If it’s wrong, why does it feel so good then?” Courage asked, “Wouldn’t everything just stop and find another way, like you said.” She questioned further, as she stepped up to Kindness who began pushing her away as well, but the brash champion rebuked the attempts to fend her off, and forced Kindness to take a seat.

“It’s like using the Gnosis, you can’t just eat as much as you want. You have to learn how to eat proper, ya.” Kindness closed her eyes as Courage began lecturing her. “Our brothers here must’ve eaten a bunch since we left them, and they aren’t sick, am I wrong?” Courage directed the question to Bodaway then, yearning for a consoling answer.

He shook his head. “Seldom do we get sick. It is only after one eats something that has gone bad or should not have been eaten in the first place, that we do get sick.” He laid a hand upon Courage’s shoulder. “I do not know what the Spirit Mother ever intended for us to eat or not eat, how we should be or how we shouldn’t. Correct me if I am wrong but you all seem like children. You do not know how this land works, how to survive, how to thrive. Tell me, without your fire, how long would you last?” He looked upon Kindness next. “We do not eat people, to say such is an insult. I mean no disrespect when I say this, but you do not listen to our words and judge us too harshly for one named Kindness. You have come to help and offer guidance, yet you have already judged and made up your mind. Look at my brother’s and their faces, see how frightened they are? You will not help any if no one trusts you. I have spoken my words, listen to them if you will.” He let go of Courage’s shoulder and went back to sit down. Chesmo came to him and began to whisper in his ear, leaving the Champions to themselves with watchful eyes.

Courage stroked the hair atop the head of her reticent sister, as she looked all around her and sighed. “We’ve really stumbled, huh. We’re only a couple days older than all of you, and yet we’re the ones that are in need of teaching. Please, let me apologize on behalf of my sisters. We want to help, we truly do, but it seems like we’re always messing up. We’ve got twenty five days until we must return to Keltra, and we were hoping to catch up to Chailiss before then. Maybe we can’t help you on our own, but if you can help us help you, then ya, just maybe we can make this work.”

Her speech was loud and clear, but was also accompanied by the sounds of Curiosity whimpering as Wanderer caressed her. “I didn’t know… I didn’t mean to… I’m so sorry…” She sobbed, and her sister continued to try to soothe her. Fear stood between both pairs, and wore a lost expression; her mouth slightly opened, but with no words to speak with, and trembling eyes that gazed at both everything and nothing.

Eapalek stood. “In the days when our Spirit Father walked with us, Childan united, we made many mistakes and we stumbled and fell. We still do but he would always say; ‘To fall is to be human, to make mistakes, is to be human. That is why when you rise, you do better. Learn, grow, teach.’ We were younger then and did not know the depth of such wisdom but now, it becomes clearer every day.” Around him the men began to nod in agreement. “First you must ask yourselves who are the ones that need help. Second, you must act. You have apologized, now do better. Stumble, fall, but do better when you rise.” He sat back down and dipped his head towards the flame, closing his eyes.

“Sounds like the Sacred Path. We’ll do better, I promise!” Courage answered, adding her own affirming nod. “It’s just being human to make mistakes, and gives us the chance to be better, ya. You may not believe this, brother, but even the Divine make mistakes. What a foolish world we live in, but you know what, I’m not afraid, because I’m not alone. Let’s find Chailiss, and help each find our way of bettering ourselves.”

“One does not find the Spirit Father,” Bodaway began, “He finds…” His voice quieted as a strange bird flew through the camp. It was a spectral blue that flew around Courage’s head before disappearing into the trees. Next came a deep chill and a heavenly white orb stopped in midair over them, sprinkling down snowflakes. 

The Lord of Winter materialized before them then, the great bonfire turning to embers as the men shouted in awe, rising to meet their Father. 

[color=deepskyblue]”Quickly, we have little time, Champions.”[/color] He said, taking one look over Curiosity and Wanderer, before waving his hand over them. Two blue pendants, the same as Fear’s, Courage’s and Kindness’ appeared around their necks.

Courage offered a hasty bow, before pulling Kindness to her feet, while Wanderer assisted Curiosity, with the aid of Fear, and the five Heralds of Honor stood mostly prepared before the God of the Cold. “We’re ready for your commands!” Courage cried out, her eyes burning bright with reignited conviction.

The god knelt on one knee before them. [color=deepskyblue]”By chance or fate I have found you, and welcome you to this land. This is not how I wished your time here to be but I have need of you. A goddess lays dying and I must go to her but there is another matter I need help with. I do not ask you this lightly, for it could be incredibly dangerous. Please, let me know now before I continue. It is your right to refuse and I will think no less of you.”[/color] He said with urgency in his voice.

“We accepted the dangers when we set out from Keltra. Let us know how we can be of assistance, your grace.” Courage smashed her bare fist into the palm of her golden gauntlet, and offered Chailiss an eager grin. None of her sisters objected, though there was much less enthusiasm among them.

“We want to be worthy of your faith in us…” Fear added, hesitantly articulating her willingness with an icy thumbs up.

Chailiss looked to Fear and smiled, [color=deepskyblue]”You have always been worthy.”[/color] he said, looking at each of them but his smile faded. [color=deepskyblue]”My… Daughter. Zima, Nisshi as I called her, is… She has returned. But she is not as she once was. She has become something, I fear, darker and twisted by forgoing death. I ask you to find her but under no circumstances should you speak or fight her. I only want to know where she is and when I do, I shall come and see to her. Is this understood?”[/color]

“Yes, your grace!” Courage answered, her words followed by Kindness and Fear saying the same, while Curiosity and Wanderer merely nodded. “What does your daughter look like?” Courage asked, content upon hearing and seeing her sister’s acceptance of their task, and dedicating herself completely to her new assignment.

“She’s a shapeshifter, correct?” Kindness softly inquired, recalling the vision they were shown in Keltra of the various creatures they had seen depicted when Chailiss described his daughter before.

Chailiss nodded. [color=deepskyblue]”I know not what shape she will be in but Mish-Cheechel is the Bjork’s name. A vengeance seeker who thought to kill Phelenia with Zima. I know not if they are still together.”[/color]

“We’ll find her, and you’ll be reunited with your daughter!” Courage proclaimed, and this time her words seemed to reinvigorate her sisters. They each stood straighter, and their eyes held newfound resolve. “The Holy Quintet won’t fail you!”

Fear raised her frozen hand once more, and timidly approached the God of the Cold. “May I ask, where’s Viho? I was wondering if I - if we could see him again…” She asked. 

Chailiss took Fear’s hand within his own. [color=deepskyblue]”Viho searches for Zenia, I have need of her as well. Do not worry Fear, you shall see him again. I promise you this, that when I see him next, I shall send him to you.”[/color] He let go of her hand, a jolt of power flowed through Fear in response. [color=deepskyblue]”You may find your hand can do more than grasp things now.”[/color] he smirked.

She looked back and forth between her hand and Chailiss, and smiled with hints of joyful tears around her eyes. “Thank you, you’ve done so much for me…” She leapt forward, holding onto the deity for a moment. “We’ll find Nisshi.” She murmured into his chest.

Courage seemed about like she was about to leap as well, until she threw her fist into the air. “Zenia is what we need! I remember feeling really happy when she was around, and there’s also Voligan! If those two offer their help, you’ll be safe, Chailiss? All of you! You and our Maker can save us…” Her words were neither a question or affirmation, and Courage found that despite her best efforts, the previous mentioning of a dying goddess still filled her with a dreadful feeling.

[color=deepskyblue]”Of course Courage. Of course.”[/color] He said, outstretching a hand towards her. It was half closed at first but as it opened, something sparkled to reveal a dazzling light blue gem that he dropped in her hand. [color=deepskyblue]”Set this into your gauntlet for the journey ahead.”[/color] He said before turning to Curiosity and Wanderer. [color=deepskyblue]”Step forth.”[/color] he told them. 

Wanderer helped Curiosity approach, and the two stood before Chailiss. Curiosity looked up, her chin stained with drying blood, and she wiped away another tear. “I’m sorry, your grace. Please forgive me.” She said with a sniffle. Chailiss looked puzzled, but very gently wiped the blood from her chin and then rubbed her face underneath her eye with his thumb. [color=deepskyblue]”I know not what you think you have done wrong but all the same, you are forgiven. Now let me see your shield.”[/color]

She held out her arm the buckler was attached to, the face of the small shield aimed up and reflecting the light of day with its dozens of glittering gemstones. With his free hand, Chailiss circled over it and briefly shut his eyes. When he opened them, the shield looked much the same, besides the rim which had turned an icy blue. [color=deepskyblue]”Your job is the most important one, without you they would be in harm's way. With this shield, you will protect them all, Curiosity.”[/color]

“I will. I’ll protect them.” Curiosity held the shield close to her chest, and bowed to the God of the Cold once more. “Thank you, your grace.” She looked up at him with a sincere smile, letting his words soothe the ache in her heart, and finding the strength to stand on her own. “Can I have a hug too?” She asked.

He pulled her into an embrace as he looked to Wanderer. Her staff pulsed and a shimmering white orb set itself at the top. [color=deepskyblue]”With that, you may see farther than ever before.”[/color]

The silent champion looked at the orb atop her staff, then looked at her sister and Chailiss, before she wordlessly joined them in the hug as well. With mild reluctance, the two eventually let go of the god, and stepped back. Chailiss stood and briefly looked at Kindness before turning back to face the men. All had large eyes with looks of profound reverence upon their faces. Chailiss rose his hands and proclaimed, [color=deepskyblue]”I have not forgotten you my sons. Know that you must let go of the burden in your heart. Do not blame yourselves for the actions of the few but never become complacent. I now give you my second sacred law, let all men know; Do not force your will upon another mortal or you will be marked forever more for your sin.”[/color] he waved his hand over them and the air turned brisk as a wind whipped through their hair. All their eyes shined with a bright blue before fading and one by one they looked to their hands.

“Father…” Bodaway and the others murmured. 

[color=deepskyblue]”Learn of this power and grow with it and remember my law.”[/color] he said, before turning back to the champions. [color=deepskyblue]”I must leave you now, search the west of this continent for her. There lies a gate that leads to the Underworld. Start there.”[/color] he smiled at them. [color=deepskyblue]”I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor and know that I will see you again. Pray to me when you find her and I will come.”[/color] His eyes fell upon Kindness once more. [color=deepskyblue]”Come see me off, Kindness. Farewell Courage, Curiosity, Wanderer and Fear.”[/color] He said with a nod each before gesturing for the first named Champion to follow him.

“Farewell, your grace.” The dismissed four replied, before jumping towards Skydancer, and waving at the gathered giants with a mix of fondness and regret. Kindness remained behind, sparing one more look towards her sisters, until she nodded to herself and leapt after the God of the Cold.

Chailiss said nothing as they entered into the forest the way the bird went. When the trees obscured the camp and any prying eyes, he at last turned to Kindness and bent down before her, resting a hand upon her shoulder. There was pain in his eyes. [color=deepskyblue]”Your sisters are eager to prove themselves worthy. Do you feel the same?”[/color] he asked her.

“I wish to help our sister. If that means I must obey your commands, or… accept your task, then I shall do so. I wish to help you, not because of your divine nature and any obligation I may have to serve, but because I think… because you remind me of myself. I hate seeing the pain you are enduring because you have lost someone you love.” Kindness answered, and beneath the impassive mask and emotionless voice, there was an inner frantic fire that flailed with frustration and confusion. Her spiritual power was so much smaller, but the shape of her essence was the most similar to the Goddess of Honor compared to all of her sisters.

[color=deepskyblue]”Speak to me as if I were a friend, Kindness. It does not take divine eyes to see that something is troubling you.”[/color] Chailiss said in a quiet voice, searching her eyes.

“I am uncertain. Courage and Fear almost perished before, and now they eagerly depart again. Is this a cycle, and will I continually face this dread of wondering whether I will be returning home with them, or alone again? Our Maker said our work is indefinite, but I have no investment in this Sacred Path, and finding meaning. I just want to be happy… I want to rid myself of this pain.” Kindness brought both her hands together, palms pressed against one another and fingers upright. “Why do we have to become lost? I was happy before…”

[color=deepskyblue]”When one is lost, they have two choices. Give up or press on.”[/color] He gave her a slight squeeze. [color=deepskyblue]”To give up is to succumb to every negative and be consumed by it. To press on is the hope we all cling to- That times will get better. Happiness is your beacon, Kindness, so cling to it, strive for it, fight for it. You will be happy again, you and all of your family. And know If I could take your pain from you I would, I would shoulder it so that you did not have to suffer but to do so I would strip you of a part of yourself that you must either come to terms with, or overcome. Your Maker’s sacred path is Idyllic but the laws of this system dictate otherwise but this does not mean it cannot be strived for. I have bickered about this with her every time we meet. I do not know if her system will work or not and I have said my peace on the subject. Kindness, if you do not wish to tread that path, then you must find your own. No one can give it to you but yourself.”[/color] He let go of her shoulder. [color=deepskyblue]”To be worried is normal but do not let those thoughts dominate your mind. I would not let you face this alone or without aid, only you and your sisters can do the rest. Protect each other, and if it comes to it, fight together. Are you prepared to do what is necessary if you must?”[/color]

“I do not understand, what separates necessity from that which is not necessary? I will always protect and fight beside my sisters, if that is what you ask.” Kindness answered, as she tilted her head with confusion.

His face hardened. [color=deepskyblue]”Kindness, are you prepared to take a life if it threatens you or your sisters?”[/color]

“You are asking if I would extinguish another inner fire to preserve the inner flames of my family. Why would you ask me such a question? I… I do not… no, I would be. I am prepared… but only if I cannot see another option. Does this answer suffice, your grace?” As she spoke, her hands fell to her side, and closed into fists. Her scarlet eyes hardened into stone, but was covered in subtle cracks; fragile despite its sturdy visage.

Chailiss smiled wearily and put out his thumb to rub Kindness’ cheek in reassurance. [color=deepskyblue]”Be brave. I ask this question because not all life will care about your inner flames, Kindness. Nor would they have their own flames for you to take. Such creatures only prey upon others out of hate and misery but you will also find that beings with flames may try to harm you as well. This is what I fear most, sending you on a quest and putting you in such situations. I do not wish this upon you or your sisters but you must be made aware that it could be a possibility.”[/color]

“Thank you, for the warning. Thank you again for providing so much for my family. There were one million of us when we were all created, and now we are lost and divided… and there are less of us, but you have been very… kind to me and my kin. Thank you.” Kindness bowed, and arose, looking at Chailiss with conflicted eyes, paradoxically conveying both appreciation and resentment. The eyes of a child who is afraid of the dark, and an adult who is afraid of the light.

He pulled back his hand with a bit of hurt on his face before it became impassive. He gave her a nod and then from his hand there formed a long dagger of blue spectral make. He held it out to her. [color=deepskyblue]”Do you know what this is and how to use it?”[/color]

She carefully examined the artifact, before gingerly grasping it. “It resembles the knife that the Master of the Hunter entrusted to Pride. My knowledge regarding knives is limited though. The sharp edge is used to cut… and it can be used to harm.” She observed, staring at the blade. Her gaze traveled up its length towards the point, and she blinked, as if suddenly struck by a realization. “It is a weapon, and I know how to use it.” Kindness answered.

The god nodded. [color=deepskyblue]”A Blade of Mourning. Where your sister’s tools may affect a spirit, this will most certainly harm one. It is for you now, in case Zima is no longer herself.”[/color] He wrapped his hand around her own that held the dagger. [color=deepskyblue]”Listen to me now.”[/color] there was a sense of urgency in his voice, [color=deepskyblue]”It may not even work on her, for I fear what afflicts her will laugh in the face of a certain end. It may slow her down, it may immobilize her but only use it if all else fails and it comes down to a fight. Knowing Courage… I fear a confrontation will be inevitable. Prove me wrong Kindness. If not, watch each other's backs. Nisshiniek can possess cold elements and use them as vessels and they are durable. With your tools… Perhaps she will run. Do not pursue her unless doing so would be to prevent catastrophe. Do you understand?”[/color]

“I understand.”

He let go of her and stood up. [color=deepskyblue]”When this is over, Kindness, I will grant you a wish of whatever you desire. Who knows… Maybe you won’t find her at all by the time I am through with whatever I am about to find. Now I must go, before that bird gets too far ahead. Goodbye, daughter of honor. I wish you luck.”[/color]

“I wish you good luck as well, Lord of Winter.” She stepped back, and allowed the shadow of a smile to touch her lips, as she bid Chailiss farewell with another slight bow. Chailiss smiled, raising a hand in farewell and then became snow as a wind carried him away.

Left in the quiet grove, Kindness peered down at the weapon she held, before turning her attention back to the way she had come. With the weight of a choice soon to be made; an unseen burden upon her shoulders, she marched back to where her sisters waited for her. Emerging from the frosty foliage, her four sisters all waited within Skydancer.

“Hey Kindness, come on. Zima won’t find herself!” Courage called out, waving her large golden hand in the air.

Kindness approached the airborne vessel, but before she leapt aboard, she turned to the giants still present. “I apologize for my previous words. I did not mean to offend you, my brothers.” She said. The men, mostly busy with their new powers (and learning how to not freeze each other), turned to Kindness and raised their hands to her. Bodaway stepped forth and spoke, “All is forgiven. Please, take these gifts for your journey, perhaps they provide you with some semblance of comfort. Chesmo brought forth a simple brownish red pot, carried in one hand and draped over his other was a large fur blanket, black as midnight. Upon closer inspection, the small pot was full to the brim with shells and fancy rock. Chesmo held them out to the girls in the boat. “We wish you good luck finding the wayward daughter. Come and visit us again, we insist!” he smiled. 

“Of course. Until we meet again then.” Kindness said before she jumped up and stood on the railing of Skydancer. “I look forward to it.” She added.

“We’re going to be better! We haven’t helped you really, not yet, but we will! If you find our sisters, tell them the sky dances. Oh, perfect Kindness, just what I needed.” Courage glanced at her sister carrying the knife, and swiftly took it from her grasp. With a blur of motion, the blade cut through the air where the brash champion pulled her long hair and held it, easily slicing through the long strands.

Returning the dagger to Kindness before she could react, Courage held out a large tuft of her scarlet tresses, offering them to the giants. “Here! A gift from the Heralds of Honor!”

Chesmo took them and held it up for all to see. The men whooped with joy, small icicles flying up into the sky. There was much laughter then as many began to wave goodbye.

Courage stepped back and moved towards the rudder, while Kindness and Fear offered more cheerful waves. Skydancer began to rise, and slowly the village of Childan became more distant. There was some relief in the hearts of the Holy Quintet, as they began their journey westward where they would begin their quest to seek out the missing Zima.

[hider=Summary]-In the Giantlands, on the shores where the Childan awoke, the Holy Quintet encounter a village of men that see them arrive.
-The Holy Quintet was welcomed with open arms, but they learn of the many struggles and strife the Childan have endured since they had left them.
-There is a feast, and stories are shared, Courage causes Curiosity to puke, and a tension grows between the Champions of Homura and the Childan.
-Courage tries to make peace, hearing the wisdom the Childan have to offer, and then Chailiss arrives on the scene.
-The God of the Cold bestows gifts upon the Holy Quintet, and proclaims the Second Sacred Law. He also requests assistance, asking the Champions of Homura to find his missing daughter. 
-The Holy Quintet accepts this divine quest, and after many fond and bittersweet farewells, the journey west begins.
[/hider]

[hider=Vigor]
Chailiss
8 Vigor

-1 to Enhance Fear’s ice hand. Can now summon and wield ice as weapons or tools.

-1(Reduced to 0 through cold) to Enhance the Golden Hand artifact with a gem of ice. This empowers the artifact with cold abilities.

-1 to Enhance the Shield of Faith. Where once it could protect only one mortal, the shield is now capable of protecting multiple at the same time. Can also expand into a tower shield.

-1 to Enhance the Staff of Seeing. The gem now set at the top of this staff empowers its abilities further. Works even better in the North.

-1 to create the Blade of Mourning. A long dagger (around a foot in length) of an icy spectral metal. It has the unique ability to strike spirits and harm them as well as being a functioning martial weapon. 

-1 Blessing/Curse: To proclaim the second Sacred Law of the North, Do not force your will upon another mortal. Childan men can now wield a primitive form of cyromancy as long as they respect their law. Failure to do so will strip them of this power and turn their skin a sickly blue, desiccated like, as an indicator of their crimes.

Ending with 3 Vigor

Courage, Kindness, Fear, Curiosity, and Wanderer gain 4 Spirit. (+1 minimum, +1 Collab, +1 Medium, +1 Long)

The Holy Quintet gains 1 Prestige. [/hider]